Oxygenating Plants

Oxygenators photosynthesise underwater creating oxygen which then dissolves. This is not only essential for all animal life, but also for bacteria which help keep the water clear. Bunched oxygenators benefit from their roots being anchored in soil or gravel although Ceratophyllum is also happy to float in the water. Many oxygenating plants have two forms of foliage; submerse (below the water) and emerse (above the water) and they can look very different. It is only foliage below the water that oxygenates the pond.